Businesses have launched a petition against a council’s plans to sell off a car park used by their staff, customers and clients.
Newcastle Borough Council intends to sell off seven town centre car parks, to be replaced with housing.
But businesses near Hassell Street Car Park say the 39-space facility is well used, and the closure of it would have a detrimental effect on their trade.
A petition, which can be found here, has so far been signed by over 175 people.
Among those unhappy with the plans is Kerryanne Clancy, who provides massage therapy and treatments at her Real-ease clinic, on Hassell Street.
She said: “My clients are elderly or people who have injuries – they can’t park in a multi-storey and trek across town to get to me.
“I understand some of the other car parks earmarked for closure are underused, but that is not the case with Hassell Street.
“Many businesses are only just getting back on their feet after Covid and this will be another kick in the teeth.”
Sharon Mountford, owner of Essential Bodyworks, a naturopathic clinic and training centre for health and wellbeing, also on Hassell Street, said: “This is a very, very busy car park used by staff, customers and clients.
“Closing it would have a severely detrimental effect on my business. Clients who come for a relaxing treatment don’t want the stress of having to find somewhere else to park and, if they can’t park, they’ll go elsewhere.
“There must be other brown spaces that can be used for housing.”
Plans to sell off the car parks have come to light as the council seeks to build a new multi-storey car park with 472 spaces at the town’s Ryecroft site.
The planning application is expected to be given the green light during a council meeting today, 20 June.
The other affected car parks are The Midway multi-storey, Blackfriars, Cherry Orchard, Goose Street, a section of Kings Street and Bankside/Well Street.
A council report states: “A number of smaller car parks on the periphery of the town centre will be closed and disposed of to contribute to the resourcing and viability of the Castle multi-storey car park.”
Hassell Street is home to around a dozen small businesses including hair salons, a school uniform shop, recruitment firm and tanning centre.
The petition site reads: “If we do not act now local businesses that are supported by the parking facility on Hassell Street will be affected by its loss.
“Help us to make a stand, support your local businesses out of the town centre.”
Daily Focus has approached Newcastle Borough Council for a comment.
